GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida men’s basketball coach Todd Golden acknowledged Saturday that a school investigation is underway and said he is considering “defamation claims,” presumably against his accusers.
“Over the past month, I have actively participated in and respected the confidentiality of an ongoing school investigation,” Golden said in a statement published on X. “I recently retained (attorney) Ken Turkel to advise me on my ability to pursue defamation claims while this confidential investigation is underway.
“My family and I appreciate the support we have received and remain confident that the university will continue its efforts to complete its review expeditiously.” »
Golden’s statement came a day after the Independent Florida Alligator reported that the university was investigating Golden for allegations of sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, stalking and cyberstalking of multiple women, including female students.
–Todd Golden (@CoachToddGolden) November 9, 2024
According to the student newspaper, the allegations include unwanted sexual advances on Instagram, requests for sexual favors and sending photos and videos of his genitals. The newspaper based its article on a Title IX complaint filed against Golden on September 27.
Golden led practice on Florida’s campus Saturday in preparation for Monday night’s home game against Grambling State. Golden was expected to coach the 21st-ranked Gators (2-0) in that one.
The Associated Press has requested a copy of the complaint from the university. Under federal law, schools cannot comment on or even confirm Title IX requests, complaints, or investigations.
On several occasions, according to the newspaper, Golden allegedly took photos of women walking or driving and sent those photos to the people involved. Incidents of alleged harassment also included Golden, a married father of two young boys, who showed up in places where he knew women would be.
Golden, 39, signed a two-year contract extension in March that included a $1 million raise and raised his annual salary to $4 million. The deal puts Golden under contract through 2030.
Golden is 42-29 in two-plus seasons in Gainesville and has its most complete and talented roster in its three years.
This is the third set of serious allegations against a head coach during athletic director Scott Stricklin’s eight-year tenure.
Stricklin allowed women’s basketball coach Cam Newbauer to resign in 2021 amid allegations that he verbally, physically and mentally abused players and staff members. Newbauer received a $283,250 buyout paid in installments.
Less than a year later, Stricklin fired women’s soccer coach Tony Amato amid an investigation into the coach’s comments and behavior regarding players’ eating habits and body shape. Amato was fired without cause a year into a six-year contract, leaving the Gators with approximately $1.125 million in debt.
Stricklin was also criticized for two NCAA investigations: the first in 2020 put the Gators on probation for the first time in 30 years and led to a vindication for then-football coach Dan Mullen; the second involved former quarterback Jaden Rashada and a botched name, image and likeness worth nearly $14 million. Rashada is now suing Florida football coach Billy Napier and a prominent defender.